Blyth Spartans can announce the signing of former Newcastle United striker Phil Airey.

The 19-year-old Amble born front man, who can also play at right back, was released by the magpies over the summer and joins the Spartans on the eve of the new season. He scored twice for Newcastle (see below) as they cruised past the Spartans in the Northumberland Senior Cup Final in May 2011, he was also on the scoresheet as the Spartans beat a Newcastle United XI 4-1 the season prior to that in a behind closed doors friendly.

Airey played the first half in the game with Shildon for the Spartans, the first time he had played with any of his teammates, and was at training tonight to put pen to paper at Croft Park.

Manager Tommy Cassidy said “I’m pleased to get Phil on board, he comes with an excellent pedigree and good goalscoring record with Newcastle United.”

“I’ve done some research into Phil and have checked with people into what he’s like and everyone I’ve spoken to has suggested that he’ll do a good job for us and will hopefully score some goals. Like most players who have been released by a professional club, he is keen to get back into the full time game, I have told him that the best way to achieve this is to be scoring goals for us.”